Valentine's is just around the corner. Did you know that being in love is actually good for your overall health? Many aspects of being in love promote a healthy lifestyle, and benefit your heart!
Low-Blood Pressure: Spending time with your significant other has been found to lower your blood pressure. Just chatting or laughing together can make you feel relaxed and content. Having someone to vent or share with takes a burden off ourselves and reduced stress means reduced health risks. Hugs have also been known to lower blood pressure due to the increased levels of oxytocin. Make sure you get in those daily hugs!
Decreased Risk of Depression: Those in a solid and steady relationship are less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. Cohabitation has also been found to be a large factor in staving off depression. Having someone who is always there for you when you leave for work in the morning or when you return home at night, can be helpful when feeling depressed.
Motivation to Exercise: Having a significant other can actually help you to exercise more often. Those who are in a relationship want to live a longer and healthier life with their partner, so they may strive to exercise more often. Many couples also find motivation to diet and exercise together, which can increase their likeliness to stick to a routine rather than falling off the wagon.
Longer Life: Multiple studies, including the National Longitudinal Mortality Study, have found that married couples have a longer life span than unmarried individuals. They have also found that those who are married are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease as well as reduced cases of neurodegenerative diseases as you age. This is not necessarily exclusive to married couples, but those who are in long-term healthy relationships in cohabitation.
This Valentine’s Day, celebrate a long and healthy life with your significant other by finding some time to appreciate your time together. Being in love is shown to improve your overall health in a multitude of ways. If you’re still single, don’t worry! Finding the right person to develop a healthy relationship ensures you will both benefit later in life.
Sources:
- http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20466753,00.html
- http://www.prevention.com/sex/marriage/how-love-keeps-you-healthy
- http://health.howstuffworks.com/relationships/love/top-5-ways-that-love-is-good-for-your-health.htm
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health-pictures/reasons-love-is-good-for-your-heart.aspx
- http://www.cheatsheet.com/health-fitness/5-ways-being-in-love-is-good-for-your-health.html/?a=viewall